Highlights:
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Karan Johar called Tu Yaa Main “traumatizing (in the best way possible)” and said he needed “an extra dose” of blood pressure medication after watching it.
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Karan Johar praised director Bejoy Nambiar’s technical execution and the film’s sustained tension, especially in the second half.
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He commended Shanaya Kapoor’s confident portrayal of influencer Avani and described Adarsh Gourav as “just brilliant.”
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The survival thriller opened at $68,675 net in India on day one, with 1,239 shows and around 6 percent occupancy.
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Despite a modest opening, Tu Yaa Main surpassed the day-one collections of the lead actors’ previous theatrical releases.
Filmmaker Karan Johar said watching Tu Yaa Main was such a tense experience that he jokingly needed “an extra dose” of his blood pressure medication afterward. Sharing his reaction on social media, Karan Johar described the film as a survival thriller that kept him on edge, particularly during the second half.
Calling the film “traumatizing (in the best way possible),” Karan Johar said the narrative created sustained tension and physical reactions. “No cardio needed! You will physically jump out of your seats,” he wrote. He added that swimming pools would “never be the same” for him again after watching the film.
Karan Johar on Tu Yaa Main: A “Traumatizing” Survival Experience
According to Karan Johar, the impact of Tu Yaa Main continued even after the screening ended. “I am still stressed, and the film got over 30 minutes ago,” he wrote, humorously imagining a crocodile appearing in the middle of Mumbai traffic.
Encouraging audiences to watch the film with their partners on Valentine’s Day, Karan Johar suggested that viewers might find themselves holding onto each other out of fear during the intense sequences. His comments highlighted the film’s suspense-driven storytelling and its focus on survival under extreme circumstances.
Directed by Bejoy Nambiar, Tu Yaa Main stars Shanaya Kapoor and Adarsh Gourav in the lead roles. Karan Johar commended Nambiar’s technical execution and his ability to maintain tension throughout the film. He also praised the performances of both actors.
Kapoor plays Avani, a social media influencer known as “Miss Vanity.” Karan Johar described her performance as confident and convincing, noting her portrayal of a glamorous yet vulnerable character. Adarsh Gourav plays Maruti, also known as Aala Flowpara. Referring to Gourav’s performance, Karan Johar wrote that he was “just brilliant,” adding that he felt “every inch” of the character’s fear.
The film is backed by producers including Aanand L Rai and Vinod Bhanushali. Karan Johar congratulated the producers and called Tu Yaa Main a “must-watch in cinemas.”
Karan Johar Reaction and Box Office Performance of Tu Yaa Main
While Karan Johar shared a strong endorsement, early box office figures indicate a modest opening for Tu Yaa Main. According to trade tracker Sacnilk, the film earned $68,675 net on its opening day in India.
The film reportedly had 1,239 shows nationwide and recorded an average occupancy of around 6 percent. Although the day-one collection remained under $120,480, the opening was higher than the first-day earnings of the lead actors’ previous theatrical releases.
Shanaya Kapoor’s last film, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, opened at $36,145 on its first day in 2025. Adarsh Gourav’s coming-of-age drama Superboys of Malegaon collected $60,240 on its debut day. In comparison, Tu Yaa Main surpassed both those openings.
Plot Overview: Survival Drama at the Center of Tu Yaa Main
In Tu Yaa Main, Shanaya Kapoor’s character Avani and Adarsh Gourav’s character Maruti embark on a romantic getaway. The trip turns into a survival situation when they become trapped in a swimming pool with a crocodile. The film follows their attempt to escape while confronting fear, physical danger, and emotional strain.
The confined setting and constant threat form the core of the narrative. The survival premise is central to the tension that Karan Johar highlighted in his reaction. His comments underline the film’s emphasis on suspense and immersive storytelling.
Why Karan Johar’s Endorsement Matters
As a filmmaker and producer, Karan Johar is known for publicly supporting films he appreciates. His reaction to Tu Yaa Main has added visibility to the project, particularly among urban audiences and digital followers. By describing the film as “traumatizing (in the best way possible)” and urging viewers to experience it in cinemas, Karan Johar positioned the film as an intense theatrical experience rather than a casual watch.
Despite a moderate opening at the box office, the endorsement from Karan Johar may contribute to increased audience interest in the coming days. With strong word-of-mouth potential and a high-concept survival premise, Tu Yaa Main now enters its first weekend with attention generated both by its performances and by Karan Johar’s widely shared reaction.
As the film continues its theatrical run, industry observers will watch whether the positive response from figures like Karan Johar translates into sustained footfall and improved occupancy over the weekend.
